Brothers will have extra incentive to get their Bendigo Bank CDRL A Grade season back on track when they face Ivanhoes this Sunday (kick-off 2.30pm) amid the 30th anniversary celebrations of their Stan Williams Park ground.

The two CDRL foundation clubs will clash at the ground, which was officially opened on 16 April 1983 by then Mayor of Cairns City Council, Cr Ron Davis.

Brothers coach Robbie Swain said it will be a great occasion for everyone associated with the club, although he is wanting the players’ minds to stay focused on the job at hand.

The reigning CDRL A Grade premiers have had a difficult start to the 2013 season, winning just one game out of three, and having their season interrupted by a bye and the Easter break.

“It’s certainly a big day for the club, and obviously we’ve got it in the back of our minds to put in a good display for the occasion, with former players, coaches and volunteers all back for the anniversary,” Swain said.

“But we’ve got to keep our minds on the job as well.

“I’ve not been too worried about our defence this year, as although there’s always room for improvement, we’re letting in about 20 points a game – the same as last year.

“But it’s definitely in attack that we need to improve. We need to better work out where the holes are, and which players to run at.

“We’ve still got a core group of players who know our game plan and structures, and it will take a few weeks for the new boys to get used to them too.

“It has been a bit stop-start to begin the season, but we’ve got a run of games now, and I’m confident we can put some points together – we just need to execute better in attack.”

Tully will look to end the only 100 per cent record in the CDRL when they take on the unbeaten Kangaroos at Tully Showground on Saturday night.

“Roos will obviously be pretty confident,” said Tigers coach Leon Hallie.

“I saw them play against Innisfail and they had a high completion rate, and played really structured footy, so we’ll have our work cut out.

“But we only lost our first game ourselves last week, so we’re still confident.

“It’s a pretty even competition and it just depends who plays well on the day.”

In other games, Mareeba will look to stretch their winning streak to four games when they host Southern Suburbs at Davies Park.

Meanwhile, Yarrabah will hope to mark their first game since announcing Bryant Constructions as their new major sponsor when they clash with Innisfail at Jilara Oval.

Atherton will be looking to get their first win of the season when they play Edmonton at Atherton Showground, with the Storm having posted their first two points of the year with a much-needed win at Innisfail last weekend.
Mossman-Port Douglas have a bye.

2013 Bendigo Bank A Grade – ROUND 5
Saturday 13 April
Tully v Kangaroos, 6pm KO (Tully Showground)
Atherton v Edmonton, 7pm KO (Atherton Showground)
Mareeba v Southern Suburbs, 7pm KO (Davies Park)

Sunday 14 April
Yarrabah v Innisfail, 3pm KO (Jilara Oval)
Brothers v Ivanhoes, 3.30pm KO (Stan Williams Park)

BYE – Mossman